Paddy Lowe is conspicuously absent but remains at McLaren

Rumored to be leaving in recent weeks, Paddy Lowe, technical director of the McLaren team coveted by Mercedes, was absent during the presentation of the McLaren MP4-28 this morning in Woking. Martin Whitmarsh, director of the British team, nevertheless affirmed that Paddy Lowe would remain loyal to the English team, at least in the short term: « The only certainty is that Paddy will be part of the team for the rest of the season. As has been suggested in the media, it’s less certain beyond that. It’s something that I am sure we will have clarity on in the near future. »

Nonetheless, the absence of the technical director from a team during the presentation of its car is not likely to quell speculations; on the contrary, some are suggesting Paddy Lowe may soon depart, with a non-compete clause preventing him from joining another team for a certain period. However, Martin Whitmarsh downplays Lowe’s absence: « I think he doesn’t want to create any disruption for the team and his colleagues, so he decided on his own that it was better not to be there. Clearly, there’s a lot of media interest [regarding his future]. I think it’s good that Paddy is focusing on his work. »

Last week, Toto Wolff, the new executive director of Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Ltd., denied any plans to replace Ross Brawn at the head of the Mercedes team but was more evasive regarding the possible arrival of Paddy Lowe: « Paddy is a recognized figure in the paddock, he has been with McLaren for 15 or 20 years. I read that in the newspapers, that’s all I can say. Obviously, in Formula 1, there is always a lot of speculation about people coming and going, but there is nothing I can say at the moment. »